Using Surge Protectors on Your Electrical Equipment

In todays world surge protectors are a must to help prevent valuable electrical equipment such as stereo, TVs, computers, fans, lighting from being damaged. So don't be caught without one. Lightning, faulty wiring problems, problems with the utility company equipment, power surges or spikes can all cause considerable or permanent damage to your expensive equipment.

These sudden power spikes last less than a second but can cause considerable damage, costing you time and money. Even if a high power spike doesn't destroy your equipment by burning its wires, over time it wears down the internal components. It can wipe out any data saved.

**What should or shouldn't have protection?

You can protect any electrical equipment from telephones to home theater equipment from sudden voltage changes. Using a protector on computers definitely is a must. Buying a ceiling fan with a surge protector all ready installed is a good idea. You don't necessarily need to worry about standard ceiling lights at worst you might have to change a light bulb.

Most systems have limitations so be sure to consider the equipment that will be used. In deciding which surge protector to use computers are expensive but data is irreplaceable. Investing now in a better power strip might save you alot of headaches later.

**How do they work?

A power strip works by sending the extra voltage into the outlet's grounding wire, while still sending normal voltage to your electrical equipment. A common mistake is believing surge protectors will protect systems from lightning. The most effective strip cannot protect electrical equipment from a sudden increase of millions of volts that happens when it gets a direct hit by lightning. The best way to prevent damage during a lightning storm is to unplug your electrical equipment.

**What kind do I use?

Basic power strips have 5 or 6 outlets letting you plug in multi units, connecting all your computer components into one power outlet. Check for better ratings and extra features. The protectors or strips have higher ratings and offer more protection against surges between the phase and neutral grounding conductors. These strips regulate the voltage supplied to electric devices by either blocking or shorting to a safe current. Some have LED lights to warn of suppressor damage. They have a built in fuse which is a resistor that can conduct current as long as the current is below a certain level. If the current increases the heat will cause the fuse to burn out cutting off the circuit. This will save your electrical equipment but the fuse is destroyed it will only work once and needs to be replaced.

Make sure the surge protector is compatible for the intended equipment otherwise you might have trouble plugging in some of your equipment. If you have coaxial cable line hook-up or if computer is connected to the phone jack by modem get a power strip that has a phone line input jack.

Surge stations offer greatest protection and advance line conditioning. Most have input for phone lines to protect the modem with built-in circuit breakers.

You might also have trouble with computer windows for non-plug ins and play hardwares. Windows me include a system restore program which enables you to return your computer to its original state before the problem occurred.

UPS's (uninterruptible power supply) will provide a more extensive protection. It combines surge protection with a continuous UPS. UPS have flywheels and seldom pass surges. They contain batteries that will power the computer and connecting equipment for a short time allowing your PC to keep going long enough for you to save your work and have a proper shutdown. This will avoid data loss. This conversion process gets rid of most line noise coming from AC outlets.

If UPS gets a voltage surge, your electronics probably will be saved but will suffer damage and have to be replaced. A basic surge protector will give added protection so investing in one now will save you alot of headaches late. To search surge protectors for electrical needs click here.
Its also on option to protect LED Lighting
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